On the second night, I received my first resounding slap, announcing the beginning of my new life and my altered status. It came from the furious wife of my brother. She wept angrily in front of me. "Do you think our lives are mere playthings? Do you believe this is your life alone? Your brother sacrificed his position without ever fighting, yet here you are, burning down our entire kingdom for the sake of one marriage." And she stormed off, seething, "You spoiled child, you will end up in hell!"
The first weeks passed in tranquility. No one came, and no one left. The only sounds in this building were the chirping of birds and the screams of my brother's wife, Delta, no matter how close I passed by her. "Lord, protect us! Protect the kingdom of Carmina from this madwoman." And contrary to my expectations, neither the mother of Prince Achil nor Achil himself appeared. It seemed she didn't feel threatened by a girl that he wouldn't go to like those before her. And, of course, she believed I was merely an attempt by the Crown Prince's mother to meddle with Achil's planned marriage. She hadn't yet heard the true reason.
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On a rainy night, he stood outside, drenched in rain, followed by an eunuch and several servants in astonishment and shock. The maidservants exited in unison, as usual, and then their headmistress politely apologized that I was asleep and couldn't bear to receive his sudden visit. If it weren't for Tait's quick exit, and despite her strong desire to appear as composed as the palace maids, her breath betrayed her tension. "She's ready."
Prince Achil hesitated, and at that moment, he appeared remorseful, deeply remorseful. However, he forcefully lifted his foot and entered until he stood in the middle of my room, alone with me. It was a modest room, with only a white bed and a few biscuits and tea that Tait had prepared for us.
I lifted the teapot and poured the tea. "The warm tea will help you avoid catching a cold." The prince sat down hesitantly, and I handed him his cup, then took the covers and extended them to him. He accepted them with shyness, enveloping himself in their warmth. The relaxed atmosphere and the lack of preparedness for his presence seemed to ease his discomfort. It was a pleasant feeling, like a meeting for mere conversation.